Wayne and Mathis represent a handful of veterans on a team loaded with many new faces. In a season when the surprising Colts are currently 10-5, both have stepped up in a big way.

Wayne, who is in his 12th NFL season out of the University of Miami, surprised many by choosing to stay with the Colts after the departure of Peyton Manning.

He has since developed a solid chemistry with rookie quarterback Andrew Luck. Proof of this is his 1,315 receiving yards, which is good for sixth in the league.

He also caught the game-winning touchdown in the Colts' recent 20-13 victory against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 23, helping the team secure a wild-card slot and the fifth seed in the AFC.

More importantly, Wayne has also risen to the occasion in terms of his role as mentor to Indy's receiving corps, which includes T.Y. Hilton, Donnie Avery and LaVon Brazill.

On the other hand, Mathis, a 10th-year outside linebacker out of the University of Alabama A&M, is currently 27th in the NFL in sacks with eight despite missing four games due to an injury. He also has a combined tackle total of 30.

He had his first career interception in the Colts' 35-33 comeback win against the Detroit Lions on December 2.

More than just mentoring younger linebackers, Mathis has always assumed a leadership role in the Colts defense. With his presence, Indianapolis ranks sixth in the NFL in terms of third-down conversions allowed at 37.6 percent.

Perhaps the most impressive feature of Mathis' Pro Bowl season aside from him having eight sacks despite missing four games is the remarkable adjustment he had to make. He was a dominant defensive end in years past before making the switch to outside linebacker.

The 2013 NFL Pro Bowl will mark Wayne's sixth appearance. It will be Mathis' fifth.